The government has set ambitious targets aimed at eliminating waits longer than a year for elective care by March 2025. In addition, the NHS aims to increase elective activity by approximately 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels, thereby improving patient access to timely care.
Digital initiatives are essential in achieving these objectives. The NHS is actively leveraging technology to streamline operations, improve patient pathways, and manage waiting lists more effectively. Increasing capacity through virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, alongside optimising diagnostic testing and supporting patients in their preparation for surgery, are key strategies to ensure that patients receive the care they need as swiftly as possible.
This award recognises teams who are developing and leveraging digital to reduce the elective backlog. Judges are looking for digital projects, solutions and services that are driving tangible improvements in patient waiting times, experience, and outcomes, and that display solid evidence of co-production with clinical colleagues.
Eligibility
- All NHS organisations (including providers, partnerships, and systems), General Practice and primary care organisations, as well as relevant social care partners.
- Evidence must relate to a project, ongoing or completed within the 2 years up until the award entry deadline.